Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge

The Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge, proudly available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, represents the apex of Sumiko's new Oyster series. Designed for discerning, value-minded audiophiles, this premium moving magnet (MM) cartridge transcribes sonic imagery with incredible weight, richness, depth, and sparkle. By significantly reducing moving mass and utilizing a listen-tested elliptical diamond, the Moonstone delivers remarkably realistic texture and fantastic clarity over a nearly-absent noise floor.

Exceptional Audio Performance & Design

Building upon the sonic character that analog enthusiasts have enjoyed for decades, the Moonstone addresses the problem of resonance through an innovative housing design that dissipates interference. This paves the way for effortless, transparent sonics enlivened with intimate nuance. True to natural harmonics, it provides a diminutive backdrop that bolsters sonic images with an aptitude highly reminiscent of expensive moving coil (MC) designs.

Key Features

• Precision Diamond: Listen-tested 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond for superior groove tracking.
• Reduced Moving Mass: Engineered for lower mass to deliver greater clarity without etch or confusion.
• Interchangeable Stylus Path: Seamlessly upgrade or replace styli across the Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone models.
• Hand-Crafted in Japan: Meticulously built and auditioned by world-class makers in Yokohama.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sumiko Moonstone a Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) cartridge?
The Sumiko Moonstone is a high-performance Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge. However, its advanced resonance-dissipating design allows it to deliver a level of clarity and sonic aptitude that is highly reminiscent of premium moving coil (MC) designs.

What tonearms and preamps are compatible with the Sumiko Moonstone?
The Moonstone is highly versatile and is compatible with standard MM phono preamps and the vast majority of tonearms currently available on the market.

What makes the Sumiko Moonstone different from the Rainier and Olympia?
As the apex of the new Oyster lineup, the Moonstone features further reduced moving-mass and a specialized 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical diamond, providing superior depth, sparkle, and a lower noise floor compared to the Rainier and Olympia.

What is the recommended tracking force for the Sumiko Moonstone?
The recommended vertical tracking force for optimal playback is 2.0g, with a safe operating range between 1.8g and 2.2g.

Can I upgrade the stylus on my Sumiko Moonstone?
Yes. The replacement styli for the Rainier, Olympia, and Moonstone are entirely interchangeable, allowing you to easily replace worn styli or experiment within the Oyster upgrade path without replacing the whole cartridge body.

Where is the Sumiko Moonstone manufactured?
Each Sumiko Moonstone phono cartridge is meticulously hand-crafted and thoroughly auditioned by world-class cartridge makers in Yokohama, Japan.

Where can I buy the Sumiko Moonstone Phono Cartridge in Canada?
You can purchase the Sumiko Moonstone locally or order it online through Vinyl Sound, a premium Hi-Fi audio retailer located in Toronto, Canada.